The recently-appointed manager made three changes from Monday night’s FA Cup tie against Forest Green Rovers. Harry Ransom was installed back into the starting line-up after serving a suspension, while Josh Jeffries was handed a debut between the sticks after Seb Stacey suffered a fractured thumb. Matt Burgess was the other change in place of Temi Babalola, who moved to Monday’s opponents on Friday afternoon for an undisclosed fee.

The Rebels stamped their mark on proceedings almost instantly and reaped the benefits of their industry in the ninth minute. Toby Byron, who was deployed at left wing-back, skipped past Kian Ronan by virtue of a touch of skill and a hint of fortune, but there was nothing lucky about the subsequent delivery. The 23-year-old flashed a searching cross along the corridor of uncertainty and picked out opposite wing-back Joel Colbran at the back post. Left in acres of space, the skipper simply converted from a few yards out with Dillon Addai stranded to break the deadlock in front of the travelling contingent.

That goal ignited a response from the hosts as they started to build momentum and pile pressure on our backline.

Midway through the first period, Chelmsford restored parity in stunning fashion. From roughly 30 yards out, EFL stalwart Lyle Taylor effortlessly stroked a free-kick into the top corner, with debutant Josh Jeffries rooted to the spot.

With encouragement from a bumper home crowd, Angelo Harrop’s side didn’t rest on their laurels and tried to grab a second. Five minutes after equalising, Chelmsford were inches away from breaching Jeffries’ goal again, as Shiloh Remy stroked a shot from distance.

The former Eastbourne Borough forward was left in despair as the ball bounced off the crossbar and fortunately for the Rebels, away from an attacker’s reach.

Pressure continued to mount as Jeffries was called into action to parry early substitute Jason Adigun’s effort before a goal-mouth scrambled ensued minutes later. However, on both occasions,  the defence dealt with the danger astutely.

A wave of Claret was unrelenting and expert anticipation from Jeffries was required to ensure Adigun’s poked shot didn’t find the back of the net.

Just before the break, a moment of madness from Dillon Addai resulted in the Bromley loanee being given his marching orders. A long ball forward towards the advanced Teddy Jenks caused the goalkeeper to intervene as he was caught outside of his area. His studs caught the face of Jenks which left referee Jordan Crossley with a simple decision to make and a red card was swiftly brandished.

The numerical advantage transformed the complexion of the contest and the Rebels were in full control of the match in the second half.

A crucial block from Joe Grimwood prevented a cross from reaching the unmarked Nathan Odokonyero, before Colbran sent a shot narrowly wide.

From the resultant corner, Worthing netted the winner just shy of the hour mark. Another dangerous delivery from Packham was heroically cleared off the goal-line, but fell at the feet of Harry Ransom. The defender reacted quickly to adjust his feet and emphatically find the corner to send the away fans behind the goal into pandemonium.

Despite their best efforts, the hosts couldn’t find a second leveller to salvage a point in Essex. Adam Hinshelwood’s consolidated his defence by bringing on Sam Beard, and midfielders Sam Packham and Jack Spong retained possession with composure.

Bailey Smith sent a header over the target in the closing stages while a late onslaught from our opponents was nullified by the likes of Joe Cook and Ransom.

A crucial three points for the Rebels after suffering defeats in the last two league outings. The attention will now turn to midweek, as the Reds travel to Chesham United.